Historic Preservation: Colorado Group Deploys 600 Miniature Chairs to Signal Loss of Federal Consultation Rights

Colorado Preservation, Inc. is placing 600 miniature chairs across the state to represent the consultation rights that communities and organizations currently hold in federal historic preservation decisions.

The nonprofit is acting before the federal government finalizes proposed changes to Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, a law enacted 60 years ago. The organization stated that the chairs symbolize the "seat at the table" that stakeholders lose if the new rules are adopted. These rules would allow federal agencies to skip mandatory notifications and consultations with Tribal nations, state historic preservation offices, and local governments before making decisions that affect historic places.

Jennifer Orrigo Charles, the executive director of Colorado Preservation, Inc., said many residents have not heard of Section 106 but understand the concept of losing a voice in local decisions. She noted that the group wants people to find the chairs, question their presence, and learn about the potential impact on their communities. Orrigo Charles described the stakes as substantial despite the small size of the physical markers. She warned that the proposed changes would weaken public participation, reduce state and local influence, and remove opportunities to address negative project effects before construction begins.

The preservation community faces additional threats beyond Section 106. The Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act of 2026 contains provisions that could limit Colorado's control over its own preservation programs. The U.S. Senate is scheduled to vote on that legislation on November 9. Orrigo Charles argued that these combined proposals threaten the entire framework for identifying and protecting historic resources.

The public comment period on the proposed Section 106 changes is expected to open in November. That period will last for 30 days. Colorado Preservation, Inc. is currently securing permissions for the locations of all 600 chairs to ensure they are installed before the comment window opens. The organization will launch its "No Seat the Table" campaign with an open gathering on Friday, October 30.

The launch event will take place at 7:30 a.m. at the Tall Bull Memorial Grounds cultural area within Daniels Park. The park is a 1,000-square-mile Denver Mountain Park located in Douglas County and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is known for housing one of Denver's two bison herds and for holding historic ranch structures. Local history claims it is the site where Kit Carson built his last campfire.

Orrigo Charles cautioned that the proposed language could exclude cultural landscapes, sacred places, and archaeological sites from protection. The new rules might limit the definition of what constitutes a historic place to only those with physical structures. Each of the 600 chairs is numbered and directs finders to a dedicated website. The site explains the issue and lists ways for individuals to take action. Participants can also mark their findings on a statewide map and share them on social media using the hashtag #youfoundaseat.

The timing of the campaign follows recent changes to federal property. The East Wing of the White House was demolished to make way for a new ballroom for President Donald Trump. That structure is no longer available for preservation. In a related development, Charlie Ergen, the founder of DISH/EchoStar and a resident of Castle Pines, recently pledged $25 million toward the construction of the presidential ballroom.

Colorado Preservation, Inc. aims to use the visual presence of the chairs to drive traffic to the comment period. The group hopes that the physical objects will prompt residents to review the proposed rule changes and submit formal feedback before the deadline.